Discriminant Function Analysis of Mandibular Condyle and Notch for Sex Determination

Abstract

Aim: This research aimed at deriving discriminant function equation from Bicondylar Braedth (BCB) and mandibular Notch Breadth (MNB) for sex determination. Study Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study was adopted for this research. Place and Duration of Study: BCB and MNB measurements were obtained from 13 universities across South – South, South – East, North Central and South – west geo – political zones in Nigeria from January to June 2021. Methodology: BCB and MNB were measured from 52 males and 30 females mandibles using vernire caliper. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS IBM version 23.0. Results: Descriptive analysis of BCB showed higher mean values for males 115.46mm compared to females 107.78mm; while MNB showed a higher mean value for females 25.00mm compared to males 24.41mm. Independent t-test analysis of the parameters showed BCB had significant sexual difference while MNB did not show significant sexual difference at 95% confident interval. The discriminant function analysis of BCB well discriminated sex and after cross-validation, BCB accurately predicted 82.7% males and 56.7% females but MNB could not discriminate sex. Conclusion: BCB is a reliable parameter for sex determination which is fundamental in forensic investigation whereas MNB is not suitable for sex determination.